Loading...
BMLDA20100204MINUTES MINUTES DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS BIG MUSKEGO LAKE/BASS BAY PROTECTION & REHABILITATION DISTRICT DATE: February 4, 2010 TIME: 7:00 PM LOCATION: Muskego City Hall – Muckey Room W182 S8200 Racine Avenue Muskego, WI 53150 CALL TO ORDER Len Pilak called meeting to order at 7:01 pm ROLL CALL Deputy Commissioners Len Pilak, Tom Kies, Greg Burmeister, Larry Schweitzer, and Dennis Paulson were present. Ald. Neome Schaumberg, Ald. Neil Borgman, and staff liaison Tom Zagar were also in attendance. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE All said pledge. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE Meeting noticed February 1, 2010. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MEETING HELD- Tuesday July 28, 2009 Larry moved to approve, Tom seconded, and motion carried. VOUCHER APPROVAL UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Status of Rehabilitation Management and ongoing projects Tom Zagar reported that there have been rumors that had been on the “Lake-Link” web discussions that there were plans to draw down Big Muskego Lake. It stemmed from misunderstanding of a Ducks Unlimited report regarding the work that was completed near the dam outlet. Last summer earth was moved to create a wetland scrape and a swale that leads into the channel. The project was completed so that it when there are plans for future drawdown this area will be ready to handle water that is pumped and filtered. However, lake conditions will dictate the need for a drawdown as a future management strategy and so far conditions do not warrant it. Having this project completed will allow the future restoration project to be proceed in a more timely manner and not be held up by this preparation. Goose control was also discussed. Len Pilak stated that costs should be lower because the geese would not have to be tested for contaminants as they were in the initial year of the program. Tom Z. said he’d contact the USDA about this year’s program. It was noted that the platform used by the ospreys last year has been leaning and that there is concern that it might tip over. WE Energies was contacted to see if they could straighten it or install a new pole. They had not yet replied. The neighboring landowner, Karl Hoeppner, has volunteered to help shore it up if WE cannot help. Tom Kies brought up the DNR’s proposed 40” size limit for northern pike. He explained that because females grow faster they get harvested before males reach the current 26” size and that the ratio of males to females is too high. A larger limit will thus increase the female population. Greg raised a concern about the continual ice jamborees being held on the lake this winter and the potential excessive harvesting of pike. He asked if these tournaments needed permits from the DNR. There was agreement that the larger size limit would probably make these jamborees go elsewhere. 2. Restoration project for conservancy lands in Bass Bay tributary watershed Tom Z updated the group on preparations of lands on the south side of Moorland park and other City lands directly to the south. This 20+ acre area will be planted with native seed this fall. NEW BUSINESS 1. Placement of anchorage for cattail bog barriers Tom Z. discussed the need to place heavy anchors to secure the bog barriers that were placed last summer. Metal pipes used last year were inadequate. A contractor will be sought to place four 1400 lbs. anchors in spring. 2. Discuss aquatic plant management Discussion ensued on whether mechanical harvesting would be a viable management option. Larry said shallow water would make harvesting on Big Muskego virtually impossible and that access could be a problem on Bass Bay. Tom Kies stated that cut plants can grow back quickly and it would require regular cutting to be effective. He and Larry also noted that lake district fees would likely more than triple. Because cutting would only be feasible in Bass Bay, Greg questioned how costs would be covered – noting that District residents who are not on the Bay would not want to bear the same burden as those who are. 3. Discuss Little Muskego – Big Muskego management issues for the joint meeting that will convene : potential weed harvesting services, water quality monitoring, lake levels, and other issues of mutual concern. COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW More Discussion on #1 of Old Business: Greg noted that the piers at the Boxhorn launch site were too short to launch craft and further noted that they had not been moved completely out of the water for the season and have sustained damage from ice heaving. Larry also commented that the piers should be longer to adequately launch a boat. Greg was concerned about autos and trucks speeding on the lake ice at night. Alderman Neil Borgman noted that there will be a city safety committee that could address such a matter. ADJOURNMENT Dennis motioned to adjourn and motion carried.